A letter of demand seeking Rs. 100 million in damages has been served on Plantation Industries Minister Samantha Vidyaratne for allegedly making defamatory, misleading, and disparaging statements about former Governor Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon.
The allegations stem from remarks made during a press conference held at the Ministry of Plantation Industries on January 9, 2024, under the theme, “What’s Really Happening with Ananasigala?” During this event, Minister Vidyaratne is said to have made accusations linking Tennakoon to illegal state land grabs and other corrupt practices. These statements, which reportedly named Tennakoon directly, have been described in the letter as “false, defamatory, and damaging” to his reputation.
The letter of demand, sent by Tennakoon’s legal representative, Attorney-at-Law H.D.C.D. Hathurusinghe, highlights that the minister’s comments were intended to create a negative perception of Tennakoon, causing harm to his reputation, character, and dignity. Tennakoon, a former state official and now a prominent public commentator, claims to have suffered significant damage to his good name and professional standing as a result of Vidyaratne’s statements.
The letter further demands that the minister personally pay Rs. 100 million in damages within 14 days. Failure to comply will result in legal action to recover the amount along with interest and legal costs.
